Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced a new $191 million Health Systems Strengthening (HSS-3) grant to Nigeria aimed at improving immunisation coverage and reaching underserved populations. The initiative targets 1.8 million zero-dose children and aims to raise immunisation coverage to 84% by 2028.
Dr. Alex de Jonquières, Gavi’s Director of Health Systems and Immunisation Strengthening, made the announcement in Abuja. He described the grant as one of Gavi’s largest, emphasising its scale and significance. He noted that it was the result of a collaborative planning process led by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, development partners, and civil society.
“The investment will support health system expansion, particularly at the sub-national level,” said de Jonquières, adding that nearly 80% of the funds will go to states, with more than 10% directed to civil society organisations to reach the most underserved communities.
He lauded Nigeria’s progress, citing more than 62 million children vaccinated, 2 million deaths averted, and the introduction of nine new vaccines, including those for HPV and malaria. Gavi has invested over $2.4 billion in Nigeria since 2000.
However, he also noted that Nigeria still bears the world’s highest burden of zero-dose children and called for increased domestic investment, stronger accountability, and deeper collaboration.
“As we launch this new phase, we stand at a transformative moment. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” he said.
Additionally, Gavi announced an extra $100 million investment for a nationwide measles-rubella campaign in 2025, aiming to protect more than 100 million children.
Ms. Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable health systems. Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health system.
The HSS-3 initiative, supported by Gavi and global partners, will address resource gaps, strengthen leadership and oversight, and expand primary healthcare services across Nigeria from 2025 to 2028.
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